Hydration system for surfers and sportsmen

ABSTRACT

A personal hydration system surfers and sports participants is disclosed that minimizes interruption of the user&#39;s sporting activity. A receptacle attached to the rear of a surfer&#39;s wetsuit vest retains a removable fluid container therein and the removable fluid container includes a flexible fluid delivery tube to allow a user to suck fluid stored in the removable fluid container through the tube. The upper body garment is constructed of a semi-flexible material that is sufficiently stiff to allow the upper body garment to maintain its shape while conforming to a user&#39;s physique. The upper body garment also includes side panels of a very flexible and body conforming material such as Lycra® that aid the user&#39;s upper body movements. Other embodiments are shown wherein the garment could be a snow boarding jacket or a fisherman&#39;s waders. An embodiment for retrofitting such a personal hydration system to an existing garment is shown also.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to a personal hydration system that isparticularly suited to the needs of surfers and other water sportsmen.

[0003] Typically, persons involved in athletic activities need regularaccess to a source of hydration such as water to ensure peak performanceor at least maintain a reasonable level of comfort. In the case of somesports participants such as surfers, fishermen and snow boarders asource of hydration is not readily available without suspending theiractivities. In the case of the surfer, in the past the surfer had tosuspend his sporting activity and return to shore to obtain waterwhenever he became thirsty. This is especially difficult and frustratingfor the surfer as he or she would have to paddle with their surfboard aconsiderable distance to return to shore if no waves are immediatelyavailable for riding into shore. Additionally, the surfer would have tothen paddle back out to continue their surfing.

[0004] A cyclist would face a similar difficulty. While the cyclist isnot out on the ocean as is the surfer, he or she would have their handsoccupied with steering the bicycle. This would make it difficult for thecyclist to access any source of hydration such as a water bottle whileriding their bicycle. Thus it would be desirable for the cyclist, aswell as the surfer to have access to a source of hydration, i.e.,drinking water, without suspending their sporting activity and causing aminimum of interference with same.

[0005] Therefore, there exists a need for a personal hydration systemfor surfers and other sportsmen that will allow the user to access thehydration system and quench their thirst while causing a minimum ofinterruption with their sporting activity. It is the construction andmethod of use of such a personal hydration system to which the presentinvention is directed.

[0006] 2. Description of Related Art

[0007] U. S. Pat. No. 4,948,023 to G. R. Tripp discloses a fluid storingand supply device with a front and rear pouch contained in a harnessadapted to fit a person.

[0008] A portable system for delivering a drinking beverage is disclosedin U. S. Pat. No. 5,722,573 to C. P. Carnel.

[0009] U. S. Pat. No. 5,727,714 to R. R. Fawcett shows a personalhydration device with an improved exit valve.

[0010] A jersey for use with a liquid delivery system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,864,880 to G. D. Adams.

[0011] U. S. Pat. No. 5,909,802 to A. A. Puco et al. shows a vest andbackpack combination with water supply bottles.

[0012] Design Patent No. 411,915 to R. P. S. George shows an ornamentaldesign for a backpack for holding liquids.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The hydration system for surfers and sports participants of thepresent invention comprises an upper body garment, such as a surfer'swetsuit vest, with a receptacle positioned on the rear. The receptacleretains a removable fluid container therein and the removable fluidcontainer includes a flexible fluid delivery tube to allow a user tosuck fluid stored in the removable fluid container through the tube. Thefluid container is constructed of a flexible plastic material thatallows it to move with the user and conform to his or her physique. Theupper body garment is constructed of a semi-flexible material, such asneoprene rubber that is sufficiently stiff to allow the upper bodygarment to maintain its shape while conforming to a user's physique. Therelative stiffness of the semi-flexible material and its use for thereceptacle itself aids the receptacle in keeping its shape andpreventing the flexible fluid container from sagging downward orsideways while the surfer is paddling. The upper body garment alsoincludes side panels of a very flexible and body conforming materialsuch as Lycra® that aid the user's upper body movements. The receptacleopens at the bottom to receive the fluid container and closes with ahook and loop fastener. This allows any seawater in the receptacle todrain out. The receptacle includes an outlet at its upper end forrouting the fluid delivery tube over the user's shoulder. A loop is sewnon the shoulder of the upper body garment to retain the end of the fluiddelivery tube in a position readily accessible to the user. Otherembodiments are shown wherein the garment could be a snow boardingjacket or a fisherman's waders. An embodiment for retrofitting such apersonal hydration system to an existing garment is shown also.

[0014] One object of the present invention is to provide a personalhydration system for surfers that is integrated into the surfer's wetsuit vest and will allow the user to access the hydration system andquench their thirst while causing a minimum of interruption with theirsporting activity.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a personalhydration system for a surfer in which the fluid container is positionedon the surfer's back so as not to interfere or discomfort the surferwhen they are lying on their abdomen and paddling their surfboard.

[0016] A further object of the present invention is to provide apersonal hydration system for a surfer that is integrated into thesurfer's wet suit vest in which the fluid containing pouch acts as aninsulating container.

[0017] Other objects and advantages of the present invention are pointedout in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this disclosure. Afull and complete understanding of the invention may be had by referenceto the accompanying drawings and description of the preferredembodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] These and other objects and advantages of the present inventionare set forth below and further made clear by reference to the drawings,wherein:

[0019]FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the personal hydration systemon the rear of a user's torso.

[0020]FIG. 2 is a frontal perspective view of the personal hydrationsystem.

[0021]FIG. 3 is rear view of a snow boarder's jacket incorporating thepersonal hydration system of the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a fisherman's wadersincorporating the personal hydration system of the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing a system for retrofitting thepersonal hydration system of the present invention to an existinggarment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] With reference to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, arear perspective view of the personal hydration system of the presentinvention on the rear of a user's torso is shown. The personal hydrationsystem of the present invention is denoted generally by numeral 10.Personal hydration system 10 includes upper body garment 12, receptacle14 and removable fluid container 16 with fluid delivery tube 18. Upperbody garment 12 is a surfer's wet suit vest, well known to those ofordinary skill in the art. Although upper body garment 12 is shown as avest it could also be of a long sleeve configuration without departingfrom the scope of the present invention.

[0025] Receptacle 14 is formed by the attachment by suitable means, assewing, of receptacle panel 20 to upper body garment 12. The stitchingused penetrates the outer nylon layer of receptacle panel 20 but, doesnot penetrate the neoprene layer underneath thereby producing a strongergarment. Receptacle panel 20 is composed of a semiflexible material suchas neoprene that is often used in wet suits. Experimentation has shown aneoprene material with a thickness of approximately 0.5 millimetersprovides a receptacle that is sufficiently stiff to allow upper bodygarment 12 to maintain its shape when removable fluid container 16 isfull of fluid while conforming to the user's physique and allowingunhindered upper body movement. Further experimentation has shown thatthe neoprene material should have a maximum thickness of 2.5 to 3millimeters.

[0026] Receptacle 14 has opening 22 on its lower end to allow insertionof fluid container 16. A suitable closure means as hook and loopfastener 24 ensures that receptacle 14 stays closed when fluid container16 is installed. Additionally, the positioning of opening 22 and use ofhook and loop fastener 24 ensures that receptacle 14 is self-bailing,i.e., any seawater within receptacle 14 will drain through opening 22and past hook and loop fastener 24.

[0027] Removable fluid container 16 is a flexible bladder design withfluid delivery tube 18 attached at its lower end and fill port 26 formedat its upper end. Fluid delivery tube 18 exits receptacle 14 throughoutlet 28. As best seen in FIG. 2, fluid delivery tube 18 is routed overthe shoulder of the user and attached to retainer panel 30. Retainerpanel 30 is attached to upper body garment 12 by suitable means asgluing or sewing. Retainer panel 30 is positioned to place bite valve 32at the end of fluid delivery tube 18 in a convenient position readilyaccessible to the user. Bite valve 32 is of the type disclosed in U. S.Pat. No. 5,727,714 although other suitable means to control the flow offluid through fluid delivery tube 18 could be used without departingfrom the scope of the current invention. Sleeve 34 is positioned onfluid delivery tube 18 adjacent bite valve 32. Sleeve 34 has a loopexterior that mates with a hook surface of retainer panel 30 to form ahook and loop fastener retainer means for retaining fluid delivery tube18. Retainer loop 36 is attached to the shoulder of upper body garment12 by suitable means as gluing or sewing and acts to guide fluiddelivery tube 18.

[0028] As noted above, receptacle panel 20 is formed of an approximately0.5 millimeter thick neoprene material that helps upper body garment 12retain its shape while allowing the user freedom of movement. Thisneoprene material has the additional benefit of helping to insulateremovable fluid container 16 and keep the fluid therein cool.Additionally, upper body garment 12 has side panels 38 running from thearmpit downwardly. These side panels 38 are formed of a very flexible,i.e., “clingy” material, such as Lycra®, that helps to keep upper bodygarment 12 tightly fitting the user's torso. This very flexible materialaids the user in allowing greater freedom of arm movement which thesurfer needs when he is lying on the surfboard and paddling. Thepositioning of the receptacle 14 and removable fluid container 16 on therear rather than front of upper body garment 12 further aids the user bynot placing any obstacles or obstructions between the surfer and hissurfboard when he is lying on the surfboard and paddling.

[0029]FIG. 3 is a rear view of a snow boarder's jacket showing a secondembodiment utilizing the personal hydration system of the presentinvention. Those items which are the same as in the first embodimentretain the same numeral designation. Snow boarder's personal hydrationsystem is denoted generally by numeral 100. Snow boarder's personalhydration system 100 includes jacket 102, receptacle 14 and removablefluid container 16 with fluid delivery tube 18.

[0030] As in the first embodiment, snow boarder's personal hydrationsystem 100 is positioned on the rear of a user's torso. Receptacle 14 isformed by the attachment by suitable means as sewing of receptacle panel20 to jacket 102. Receptacle panel 20 is composed of a semi-flexiblematerial such as neoprene. Receptacle 14 has opening 22 on its lower endto allow insertion of fluid container 16. A suitable closure means ashook and loop fastener 24 ensures that receptacle 14 stays closed whenfluid container 16 is installed.

[0031] Removable fluid container 16 is a flexible bladder design withfluid delivery tube 18 attached at its lower end and fill port 26 formedat its upper end. Fluid delivery tube 18 exits receptacle 14 throughoutlet 28 and is routed over the shoulder of the user and attached toretainer panel 30. Retainer panel 30 is attached to jacket 102 bysuitable means as gluing or sewing. Retainer panel 30 is positioned toplace bite valve 32 at the end of fluid delivery tube 18 in a convenientposition readily accessible to the user. Sleeve 34 is positioned onfluid delivery tube 18 adjacent bite valve 32. Sleeve 34 has a loopexterior that mates with a hook surface of retainer panel 30 to form ahook and loop fastener retainer means for retaining fluid delivery tube18. Retainer loop 36 is attached to the shoulder of upper body garment12 by suitable means as gluing or sewing and acts to guide fluiddelivery tube 18. Snow boarder's personal hydration system 100 functionsas personal hydration system 100 in all other respects.

[0032]FIG. 4 is a rear view of a pair of waders as used by fishermenshowing a third embodiment utilizing the personal hydration system ofthe present invention. Those items which are the same as in the firsttwo embodiments retain the same numeral designations. Fishermen'spersonal hydration system is denoted generally by numeral 200.Fishermen's personal hydration system 200 includes waders 202 withreceptacle 14 and removable fluid container 16 with fluid delivery tube18.

[0033] Fishermen's personal hydration system 200 is positioned on therear of a user's torso, although alternative embodiments with thehydration system on the hip or front of the waders are envisioned andare within the scope of the present invention. Receptacle 14 is formedby the attachment by suitable means as sewing or gluing of receptaclepanel 20 to waders 202. Receptacle panel 20 is composed of asemi-flexible material such as neoprene. Receptacle 14 has opening 22 onits lower end to allow insertion of fluid container 16. A suitableclosure means as hook and loop fastener 24 ensures that receptacle 14stays closed when fluid container 16 is installed. In all otherrespects, fishermen's personal hydration system 200, functions as in theprevious two embodiments.

[0034] A system for retrofitting the personal hydration system of thepresent invention to an existing garment is shown in FIG. 5, which is anexploded view of a surfer's vest and the personal hydration retrofitsystem. Those items which are the same as in the previous embodimentsretain the same numeral designations. Personal hydration retrofit systemis denoted generally by numeral 300. Personal hydration retrofit system300 includes existing garment 302, pouch panel 304 and removable fluidcontainer 16 with fluid delivery tube 18. Existing garment 302 is asurfer's wet suit vest, well known to those of ordinary skill in theart. Although existing garment 302 is shown as a vest it could be anygarment with sufficient room to allow attachment of personal hydrationretrofit system 300 without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

[0035] Although personal hydration retrofit system 300 is shown beingpositioned on the rear of a user's torso, it could be fitted on otherparts of a garment. A first plurality of attachment means such as hookfasteners 306 of a hook and loop fastener system are attached toexisting garment 302 by suitable means as gluing or sewing. A secondplurality of attachment means such as loop fasteners 308 of a hook andloop fastener system are attached to pouch panel 304. Pouch panel 304 isthen attached to existing garment 302 to form a pouch therebetween. Thelower end of the pouch thus formed has an opening which is closed byhook fasteners 306 and loop fasteners 308. Similarly, pouch panel 304could be attached to existing garment 302 by other suitable means asgluing or sewing without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. Pouch panel 304 is composed of a semi-flexible material suchas neoprene.

[0036] Removable fluid container 16 is a flexible bladder design withfluid delivery tube 18 attached at its lower end and fill port 26 formedat its upper end. Fluid delivery tube 18 exits pouch panel 304 throughoutlet 28 and is routed over the shoulder of the user and attached toretainer panel 30. Retainer panel 30 is attached to existing garment 302by suitable means as gluing or sewing. Retainer panel 30 is positionedto place bite valve 32 at the end of fluid delivery tube 18 in aconvenient position readily accessible to the user. Sleeve 34 ispositioned on fluid delivery tube 18 adjacent bite valve 32. Sleeve 34has a loop exterior that mates with a hook surface of retainer panel 30to form a hook and loop fastener retainer means for retaining fluiddelivery tube 18. Personal hydration retrofit system 300 functions as inthe previous embodiments.

[0037] The novel method of use and construction of our personalhydration system for surfer's and fishermen will be readily understoodfrom the foregoing description and it will be seen that we have provideda novel personal hydration system for surfers and fishermen that isintegrated into the user's garment and will allow the user to access thehydration system and quench their thirst while causing a minimum ofinterruption with their sporting activity. Other activities for whichthe personal hydration system of the present invention would be equallysuitable include kayaking, windsurfing, jetskiing and paddle boarding.Furthermore, while the invention has been shown and described withrespect to certain preferred embodiments, it is obvious that equivalentalterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the artupon the reading and understanding of the specification. The presentinvention includes all such equivalent alterations and modifications,and is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hydration system for surfers and sportsparticipants, comprising: an upper body garment having a receptaclepositioned thereon; said receptacle containing a removable fluidcontainer therein; said removable fluid container including a flexiblefluid delivery tube, said flexible fluid delivery tube adapted to allowa user to suck fluid stored in said removable fluid container throughsaid tube; and, said upper body garment constructed of a semi-flexiblematerial, said semi-flexible material sufficiently stiff to allow saidupper body garment to maintain its shape while conforming to a user'sphysique.
 2. A hydration system for surfers and sports participants,according to claim 1, wherein: said upper body garment including insetpanels of flexible material to aid a user's upper body movements.
 3. Ahydration system for surfers and sports participants, according to claim2, wherein: said receptacle has an opening on its lower end forinstalling said removable fluid container in said receptacle.
 4. Ahydration system for surfers and sports participants, according to claim5, wherein: said opening on said lower end of said receptacle includes aclosure means; and, said closure means allows any fluid inside saidreceptacle to drain therefrom.
 5. A hydration system for surfers andsports participants, according to claim 4, wherein: said receptacleincludes an outlet for routing said fluid delivery tube therethrough. 6.A hydration system for surfers and sports participants, according toclaim 5, wherein: said receptacle is positioned on the rear of saidupper body garment.
 7. A hydration system for surfers and sportsparticipants, according to claim 6, wherein: said closure means is ahook and loop fastener.
 8. A hydration system for surfers and sportsparticipants, according to claim 7, wherein: said upper body garmentincludes a means for retaining said tube in a position readilyaccessible to a user.
 9. A hydration system for surfers and sportsparticipants, according to claim 8, wherein: said upper body garment isa vest.
 10. A hydration system for surfers and sports participants,according to claim 8, wherein: said upper body garment includes longsleeves.
 11. A hydration system for surfers and sports participants,according to claim 8, wherein: said upper body garment is a snowboardingjacket.
 12. A hydration system for fishermen, comprising: a pair offishing waders having a receptacle positioned thereon; said receptaclecontaining a removable fluid container therein; said removable fluidcontainer including a flexible fluid delivery tube, and; said flexiblefluid delivery tube adapted to allow a user to suck fluid stored in saidremovable fluid container through said tube.
 13. A hydration system forfishermen, according to claim 12, wherein: said receptacle has anopening on its lower end for installing said removable fluid containerin said receptacle.
 14. A hydration system for fishermen, according toclaim 13, wherein: said opening on said lower end of said receptacleincludes a closure means; and, said closure means allows any fluidinside said receptacle to drain therefrom.
 15. A hydration system forfishermen, according to claim 14, wherein: said receptacle includes anoutlet for routing said fluid delivery tube therethrough.
 16. Ahydration system for fishermen, according to claim 15, wherein: saidclosure means is a hook and loop fastener.
 17. A hydration system forfishermen, according to claim 16, wherein: said pair of fishing wadersincludes a means for retaining said tube in a position readilyaccessible to a user.
 18. A system for retrofitting a hydration systemfor surfers and sports participants to an existing garment, comprising:a piece of material adapted to form a pouch for containing a removablefluid container when attached to an existing garment; a first pluralityof attachment means for attachment to said existing garment; a secondplurality of attachment means on said piece of material adapted to forma pouch, said first and second plurality of attachment means connectedtogether; said removable fluid container including a flexible fluiddelivery tube; said flexible fluid delivery tube adapted to allow a userto suck fluid stored in said removable fluid container through saidtube; and, said piece of material constructed of a semi-flexiblematerial, said semi-flexible material sufficiently stiff to allow saidexisting garment to maintain its shape while conforming to a user'sphysique.
 19. A system for retrofitting a hydration system for surfersand sports participants to an existing garment, according to claim 18,wherein: said pouch has an opening on its lower end for installing saidremovable fluid container in said pouch.
 20. A system for retrofitting ahydration system for surfers and sports participants to an existinggarment, according to claim 19, wherein: said receptacle is positionedon the rear of said upper body garment.
 21. A system for retrofitting ahydration system for surfers and sports participants to an existinggarment, according to claim 19, wherein: said opening on said lower endof said receptacle includes a closure means; and, said closure meansallows any fluid inside said receptacle to drain therefrom.
 22. A systemfor retrofitting a hydration system for surfers and sports participantsto an existing garment, according to claim 21, wherein: said pouchincludes an outlet for routing said fluid delivery tube therethrough.23. A system for retrofitting a hydration system for surfers and sportsparticipants to an existing garment, according to claim 22, wherein:said closure means is a hook and loop fastener.
 24. A system forretrofitting a hydration system for surfers and sports participants toan existing garment, according to claim 23, wherein: said garmentincludes a means for retaining said tube in a position readilyaccessible to a user.